Identity Debate Round 1- Venom vs. Anti Venom

Spider-Man and the entire Marvel Universe have seen its fair share of the re-emergence of alot of their Villians and Heroes over the years, with originals dying and newly created characters picking up the mantle. But that's not the point of this particular blog.I'm going to doing a series of blogs about characters that exist as more then one character within the Universe, and this week I'll be taking a look at everyone's favourite 90's Spider-Man villain, (No not Carnage) VENOM.

The original Venom was the existence of an Alien Symbiote coming from a rock in outer space and finding a suitable host, who we know Eddie Brock was pick that fueled his hate for Spider-Man. Yes, I know the symbiote took Parker first but I'm focusing on the villain aspect of Eddie Brock and his latter identity that is more of an Anti-Hero "Anti-Venom."

"We are Venom, does anyone have a lollipop?"

Now Eddie Brock himself, was a hate driven macho brute with a hate on for Spider-Man, he also had a horrible 90's mullet. His "Venom" form was designed by Todd McFarlane (Yeah, he does have the same colors as Spawn... redundant? I think so) and it works for the most part. It invokes terror and has the badass factor every Villain needs. Now in my opinion being a 90's baby and growing up watching the animated series I much prefered Carnage' design and persona, it's just a tad more original.

Venom could swing like Spidey, break stuff like the Hulk, and slobber more then a basset hound in the Summer. Where as his spawn (s) could shapeshift body parts into hammers and axes. But I suppose Carnage was a psychopath even before being made in Carnage, but no matter what is seemed Carnage could do and how sadistic he could be. Venom was always there to go "Bitch, I made you. I can take your ass down whenever I'd like." which clearly defined Venom as the symbiote to reckoned with.

Eventually the alien symbiote left Eddie in favor of a more healthy host and Brock was left to fend for himself.... or was he?

With Brock pleading for the symbiote to return to him, he found the help of Negative Man who can turn anything into an opposite version of itself. And with a piece of symbiote still intact on Brock he became an alternate less-evil version of the monster he was before.

The "Anti-Venom"

"Yes I wear the same colors only in reverse, but I'm also more badass."

In my opinion this is when the character of Eddie Brock actually got some character back and regained some personality. With his new founded powers he could cure illness on the touch, control the suit to his will, and not hate Spider-Man as much I liked that in his one story arc you could see the emotion between Eddie and his trouble "girlfriend" that was caught up with drugs, and Anti-Venom coming to the rescue more then once. Yes, I know some or most people will find the new interpretation of Venom a typical outcome, but think of him more as being a Ghost Rider inspired character, only there to punish the wicked. Cause really that's all Eddie does nowadays after losing the Spawn esque suit.

All in all, if I have to choose between one or the other being the defining identity for Eddie Brock, I have to choose the Anti-Venom. Originals will always be what people know best, but it doesn't mean you should be ignorant to whats new and fresh. Anyone unfamiliar with the new identity should check out some recent Amazing Spider-Man story arcs.

Thanks for reading everyone. Sound off in the comment section on who you think is the better half, or suggestions for future posts. Have a good one IGN!